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25. Kyoto, Japan
Readers' Rating: 81.025
There are two ways to think about Japan: as the very futuristic, or as the very ancient.
In Kyoto, which served as Japan’s capital for a millennia and is still its capital of art and design, you find both. The city is home to the country’s greatest (and greatest number of) national treasures, from pieces of individual artwork to 10th-century temples, and also to some of its most exquisite food, tea, and crafts.
But even better than the seafood laid out like jewels at its Nishiki Market, or the smell of incense at Sanjusangendo temple, or the thrill of watching young geishas clop by on their getasandals, is the sense of politesse and refinement one finds here, from every vendor, at every shop or shrine: it’s a dream of Japan that still exists, waiting for you to discover it.
—Hanya Yanagihara, editor at large
24. Bruges, Belgium
Readers' Rating: 81.083
This perfectly preserved city traces its architectural splendor to the 12th to 15th centuries, when much of the old city was built.
A city of canals, Bruges is often referred to as "the Venice of the North." Although a wonderful and well-known collection of art-filled churches and museums exists (find Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child at The Church of Our Lady), a less obvious but equally compelling destination is the Frietmuseum on Vlamingstraat, which describes itself as the only museum dedicated to the potato in all its golden-fried splendor.
23. Chicago, Illinois
Readers' Rating: 81.131
You could spend your entire trip to the Windy City eating Chicago-style hot dogs and deep dish pizza while admiring the local architecture from different angles, but that's for novices.
Take a break with a cocktail and a bowl of Bookbinder fish soup at the Cape Cod in the Drake Hotel for old-school Chicago.You should also dare to swim in the lake if the weather is temperate. Finally, get a messy-but-delicious Italian beef sandwich at Mr. Beef on Orleans Street.
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